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Sword Guild

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. To send off 2008 with a bang, here's a lengthy post on Kuchiki Byakuya. Byakuya is the 28th head of the Kuchiki clan, one of the four great noble families in Soul Society. As captain of the 6th Division, Byakuya wears the standard captain uniform along with a white headpiece called a kenseikan, symbolizing his noble rank as the head of the Kuchiki family. He also wears a white scarf made by the master weaver, Tsujishiro Kuroemon III. The scarf is made from silver-white windflower light silk (ginpaku kazahana no uzuginu) and is a family heirloom handed down through the generations to the head of the Kuchiki family. It is said that the cost of just one such scarf can build ten houses. In the anime, the scarf is shown to be light green.

Byakuya's zanpakuto is called Senbonzakura which literally means 'thousand cherry blossoms'. How aristocrat is that? Senbonzakura's shikai form is released by the command chire or scatter. The zanpakuto's blade disperse into thousands of tiny blades. The release has one weakness - it can be negated before it's completed. This was shown when Yoruichi Shihouin wrapped the blade with a cloth during Byakuya's short battle with Ichigo. After release, Senbonzakura's tiny blades are invisible to the naked eye. However they reflect light in such a way that they appear as cherry blossom petals. This is how the zanpakuto got its name. Byakuya can control the blades at will, allowing him to shred opponents at a distance and break through almost any defense. While Byakuya can control the blades with his mind alone, using his hands allows him to do so more effectively and making the blades move twice as fast.

Byakuya's bankai, named Senbonzakura Kageyoshi or 'Vibrant Display of a Thousand Cherry Blossoms', is essentially a much larger version of Senbonzakura's shikai. To activate it, Byakuya drops his sword. The sword passes through the ground and two rows of giant blades rise up from the ground. These then scatter into millions of tiny blades. The number of blades is so great that Byakuya can use them for defense and offense at the same time. He commonly forms them into large masses of blades to crush opponents.

Byakuya's bankai has several attack techniques, achieved by arranging the blades in different patterns. They are activated by saying the name of the technique followed by the name of his bankai. Each form has its own distinct advantage. One of them is senkei or 'massacre scene', which unites the scattered petals into countless zanpakuto swords that surround Byakuya and his opponent. In this form, Byakuya has no defense and concentrates his bankai on killing the enemy. While Byakuya can control these swords as he does his regular blades, he usually attacks with just one in hand. He remarks in his battle with Ichigo that he normally only shows senkei to those he has sworn to kill by his own hand, Ichigo being the second to see this. After immobilizing an opponent, he can summon other blades to hit them while they're trapped. He can also use all the blades at once for an immensely powerful strike. In Bleach Movie 2 : Diamond Dust Rebellion, Byakuya surprisingly used Senkei as a barrier which only protects those inside it from an external barrage of Ceros blasts. He also displayed the ability to activate Kageyoshi from inside Senkei, shattering all rows of swords at once.

Another attack technique Byakuya used is gokei or 'pivotal scene' during the battle with Espada number 8, Zommari Leroux. This technique aligns every blade in a spherical formation around an opponent, which then collapses from every possible angle, leaving no blind spots and preventing any chance of escape. As a final attack Byakuya can use shukei or 'final scene'. This technique condenses all of tiny blades into a single sword, drastically increasing its cutting power. The blade appears bright white and its aura takes the form of a bird, earning it the name hakuteiken or 'white imperial sword'. Byakuya also grows white wings and a halo-like circle in the back, both made of spiritual power.

There are only a handful of Senbonzakura sword replicas, one of them is from Grey Eagles. The Kuchiki Byakuya Zanpakuto Senbonzakura sword replica from Grey Eagles has an overall length of 42" and blade length 26". The blade is made of carbon steel with a false edge. The signature guard is exactly as seen in the anime, with the shape of a double '8'. The sword replica has a simple blue-nylon wrapped handle and comes with a wooden scabbard. The scabbard has a black finish and tied to it is a blue nylon sageo (cord). Overall the Senbonzakura sword replica is simple in design, which is why the price is pretty affordable.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

Gin Ichimaru is the captain of the 3rd Division in Gotei 13 before he betrayed Soul Society and joined Sosuke Aizen's Arrancar army as a commander. During his stay as captain in Soul Society, he had a loyal lieutenant Izuru Kira. Gin's story started from the day he saved Rangiku Matsumoto from starvation when they were still children, and this resulted in the two being good friends ever since. Rangiku is the only person Gin seems to truly care about, although he tends to disappear often, as Rangiku puts it. He also very secretive about his movements and never shares much with her. Gin was considered a child prodigy when he graduated from the academy within one year. He was then assigned to a seated position in the 5th Division. There Gin killed the 3rd seat of the division with ease, which made Aizen truly interested in him. When Aizen was made Captain of the 5th Division, Gin was promoted to lieutenant rank.

Gin Ichimaru's zanpakuto is Shinso which literally translates to 'Divine Spear'. Shinso takes the form of a wakizashi (Japanese short sword) when sealed. The guard looks very similar to an 'S'. Shinso is released into shikai mode by the phrase ikorose or 'shoot to kill' (how cool is that?). In shikai form, Shinso's blade glows bright-white and extends at high speed to impale an enemy. This was first shown in the confrontation with Kurosaki Ichigo who tried to break-in to Soul Society. In addition to making it a deadly long-range weapon, Shinso's extending blade also carries tremendous force without affecting Gin, making it useful to dislodge heavy objects. Gin pushed both Ichigo and the giant Jidanbo out from under the Seireitei gate, despite the latter being firmly braced under it. Once extended, Gin can maintain the blade's length and swing Shinso in wide arcs, attacking multiple targets quickly and simultaneously.

While it hasn't been seen in the actual series, various Bleach console games have depicted Shinso as having additional abilities. In Bleach: The Blade of Fate, Bleach: Dark Souls, and Bleach: Shattered Blade, Gin fires Shinso into the sky and swords similar to Shinso's unreleased state rain all around him. In Bleach: Blade Battlers, Gin shoots Shinso into the ground and the blade hits the opponent from underneath, whereas in Bleach: Heat the Soul 5, a wave of blades instead shoots up from the ground to hit the opponent. Gin's bankai ability has not been revealed yet but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a huge long sword that can extend sideways too. Just my imagination.

The Gin Ichimaru Shinso Zanpakuto Sword replica from 247Swords have an overall length of 38", blade length 27" and handle length 11". The scabbard that comes with the sword is made of wood with a high-gloss black liquid finish. At the scabbard, a black cotton sage-o (hanging cord) is tied around a wooden Kurigata (loop for the cord). The Koi-guchi (open-end scabbard mouth) is black bull horn to match the sword's color. The blade is made of 440 stainless steel and comes factory sharpened. What's different with this replica is (I'm sure you guessed it too) - the length, it's more of a Japanese katana than a wakizashi. Maybe the manufacturer wanted to make it more worthwhile for their customers, give it the extra mile or inches so to speak. But the other thing is the hilt is wrapped in black rather than blue as in the anime. Most probably this sword was designed based on the black and white manga.

There is another version of Gin Ichimaru Shinso Zanpakuto Sword replica from TotalActionAnime. It is a bit longer with overall length at 40" and blade length 27". The blade's edge is not that sharp and is made of polished stainless steel. The handle is wrapped in black leather (again) and the sword replica comes with a high-gloss black scabbard.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

Yumichika Ayasegawa is the lifelong friend of Ikkaku Madarame. He values Ikkaku's opinion highly and tends to follow him everywhere. The two joined Soul Society's Gotei 13 so they could serve under Kenpachi Zaraki in the 11th Division. Since Ikkaku took the 3rd seat position, Yumichika settled for 5th Seat, thinking that the 'five' character looks almost like a 'three' in Japanese. He has colorful feathers on his eyelashes and eyebrow, and shiny skin and hair, giving him a rather feminine appearance. Yumichika tends to judge people around him by beauty including his opponents. He goes as far as to try forget things he deems 'ugly' after seeing them, and even tries fighting ugly opponents with his eyes closed.

Yumichika's zanpakuto is called Ruriiro Kujaku which literally translates to 'azure peacock'. Ruriiro Kujaku is actually a kido-type zanpakuto and doesn't use direct physical attacks. This goes against the 11th Division unspoken rule that members of the division must fight fairly and directly with the enemy without use of kido, tricks or unfair advantages. Because of this, Yumichika keeps it a secret and rarely releases his zanpakuto in its true from. He would rather die by his enemy's hands than to reveal it in front of his comrades. So when faced with a strong opponent, he instead releases his zanpakuto with another name - Fuji Kujaku which means 'wisteria peacock'. This annoys his zanpakuto and causes it to take up a weakened form of a sickle-shaped blade which can split into four identical blades. According to Yumichika, his zanpakuto's favourite color is azure and it's least favourite is wisteria purple. Although it was never shown in the anime,Yumichika zanpakuto's spirit most probably takes the form of a peacock based on all the clues given so far.

The Shikai command for Fuji Kujaku is sake or 'bloom'. To release Ruriiro Kujaku, Yumichika calls the command sakikurue or 'Split and Deviate'. Ruriiro Kujaku flares up and takes the appearance of multiple peacock feather-like vines. In its true form, Ruriiro Kujaku drains an opponent's spiritual power, allowing Yumichika to beat even lieutenant-level fighters with ease. The peacock feathers become vines that ensnare an opponent. Flowers then grow from the vines as they steal the victim's spiritual power. When the flowers bloom, the collected spiritual energy is turned against the opponent. By chewing on the flower petals, Yumichika was hinted to be able to take some of the stolen power's properties. The only time he used Ruriiro Kujaku was during the duel against Fraccion Charlotte Cuuhlhourne. To this day, there's no mention if Yumichika has achieved bankai although Ikkaku Madarame already has.

Let's take a look at the Yumichika Ayasegawa Shikai Fuji Kujaku Zanpakuto Bleach Sword from 247Swords.The Bleach sword replica has an overall length of 34.5", blade length 23" (4 of them) and handle length 11.25". It comes with a free wooden display plaque. The Fuji Kujaku blade is made of 440 stainless steel which splits open to 4 blades with black and silver color. The handle is made of replicated ray skin and black cotton wrap. Inside the cord-wrapped handle are two traditional Japanese dragons with two pegs holding the tang together. What worries me about this sword is the wear-and-tear on the hinge where the 4 blades rotate. With frequent use over a long term, the hinge may loosen-up so it's wise not to tighten and loosen it numerous times. The blades are shorter compared to what's seen in the anime. Other than that, it looks pretty awesome.

If you don't mind the price, there is another version of the Yumichika Ayasegawa Shikai Fuji Kujaku Zanpakuto Bleach Sword from TotalActionAnime.This Bleach sword replica has the same overall length of 34.5". Each of its 4 blades also measures 23" long while the handle is 11" long. A custom-made wall plaque is included with the sword. From the image, this sword looks more stunning cause the blade's curve is at a less angle compared to the one from 247Swords, which makes it look longer too. In my opinion, this replica looks more similar to the anime.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

Ichigo’s bankai sword called Tensa Zangetsu won rave reviews from Bleach fans everywhere when it made its debut in the duel with Kuchiki Byakuya, the 6th Division taicho. Initially ridiculed by Byakuya due to its zanpakutou form, Tensa Zangetsu is actually the result of condensing all of Ichigo’s power into that small physical form enabling him to battle at lightning speed with the full force of his bankai. The sword no doubt looks stunning in black and makes a great collector item for Bleach fans. Only thing I wasn’t so much impressed with Ichigo's bankai ability. Just lacks the shock and awe compared to other taicho's bankai. Ichigo die-hard fans can blast my comment page for this.

The name Tensa Zangetsu translates into "heavenly chained moon cutter". In bankai state, the previous huge shikai cleaver shrinks into a nodachi (long 2-handed Japanese sword). The sword is black from blade tip to hilt, radiating the dark and mystifying aura it's associated with. The tsuba (guard) appears in the shape similar to a swastika. It's ironic the swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word svastik meaning any lucky or auspicious object, and in particular a mark made on persons and objects to denote good luck. It may be your lucky sword. Also a short black chain takes the place of the overhanging white bandage cloth from shikai state.

For a functional sword replica with reasonable price and quality, the sleek Musashi Handmade Ichigo Bankai Sword Replica Tensa Zangetsu sold by Swords Swords is a good buy. Last checked, there were no stocks available even from other dealers. Made of high-carbon steel, the sword has razor sharp edge with a full-tang. Overall length is 41” while blade length is 30”. The guard is made of stainless steel with black liquid finish. Although Ichigo Bankai Sword does not have a scabbard in the anime, for a functional sword it's just wrong not to have one. Cool thing is the Musashi scabbard has the same high-gloss black liquid finish. The sword replica comes wrapped in a sword bag placed inside a dazzling Chinese red silk box. Nice touch actually but if you prefer to display it out in the open, there is a display stand included.

If waiting for available stock is too much for you, check out the functional 56” Ichigo Bankai Sword replica Tensa Zangetsu sold by Shopusmore. As its name implies, the overall length is 56” while blade length is 37”, much longer than Musashi's. The blade is made of high-carbon steel and the sword comes with a wooden scabbard, both having black liquid finish.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

Kurosaki Ichigo is the main lead of Bleach but lately I feel his character is overshadowed by the presence of other cooler shingami and espada as the story advanced. If the much-awaited Vasto Lorde were to make their appearance that would really hurt his popularity. Maybe this post can help Ichigo boost his votes.

Before we feature the Ichigo Sword Replica from TopSwords, a quick description : Ichigo's zanpakutou is called Zangetsu which translates "moon cutter". Unlike other zanpakutou, Zangetsu is always in shikai form which is a huge long cleaver (a butcher's dream come true). The sword doesn’t have a cross-guard (hey it’s an oversized cleaver) and the handle is actually the full-tang of the sword wrapped in white bandage cloth. Only in animes can you get a thin-tang that supports a huge blade without fail.

The cloth originally wraps the whole blade when not in battle, kind of like a scabbard. When Ichigo wield Zangetsu for a fight, the cloth mystically unveils the huge blade and shortens to just a meter or two overhanging from the handle end. Zangetsu has the ability to strike an energy blast in the shape of a crescent moon called Getsuga Tensho or "moon-fang piercer of heavens". The energy blast is blue in shikai state and black in bankai state.

Bleach fans will be keen to have their own Ichigo Ichigo Sword Replica Zangetsu from TopSwords. It is made of 440 Stainless Steel with a full-tang construction. The blade has 2 tones of colour – one black and the other polished steel. White cloth wraps the handle with a short excess overhanging from the hilt-end just like in the anime. The sword replica also comes with a leather sheath.

The Ichigo Sword Replica Zangetsu is not exactly the same size as that in the anime. I guess if it was, the cleaver would be one heck of a sword to wield – too much weight and unbalanced. The sword would wield you, not the other way around. Also the tang would probably fail after a few swings.

Some customers feedback that the cloth grip comes off after some time which is quite common in many decorative swords in the lower price range. So buyers just need to avoid abusive force on the grip. You may also want to be careful when sheathing the sword since the scabbard is made of leather and not wood.

If safety is your concern, there is always the wooden Zangetsu sword from 247Swords. It has an overall length of 52” and blade length of 40”. There’s also the 2 tone colours applied to the blade – black and silver.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

I’m a big fan of Bleach created by Tite Kubo and after watching the second movie release The Diamond Dust Rebellion, I’ve upgraded myself to a die-hard fan. My favourite Shinigami Taicho (Soul Reaper Captain) is Toshiro Hitsugaya of the 10th Division in Gotei 13 whom I am dedicating this post to. If you are not a fan, check it out on the net for both the manga and anime. I guarantee you will be hooked.

Captain Hitsugaya's zanpakutou is Hyourinmaru which literally means “ice ring”. Hyourinmaru’s spirit is a giant winged ice-dragon. In its sealed state, Hyourinmaru looks like a common Japanese katana with a unique tsuba (guard) design similar to a flower with four petals.

To release Hyourinmaru’s shikai state, Hitsugaya recites the phrase "soten ni zase Hyourinmaru" translated as “sit upon the frozen heavens”. In shikai state, Hyourinmaru looks no much different with only an additional crescent blade attached by a long chain to the katana’s hilt.

To release its more powerful bankai state, Hitsugaya commands the phrase "Bankai Daiguren Hyourinmaru" which means “great crimson lotus ice ring”. The katana tsuba (guard) changes to eight petals from the original four. Ice partly covers Hitsugaya’s body to form two giant dragon wings on his back, a dragon tail, a dragon head frozen over his right hand and sword’s hilt, also dragon claws enveloping his left hand and both feet. Three huge flowers (with 4-petals each) similar to his sealed zanpakutou's tsuba appear behind Hitsugaya. Each of the petals fade away slowly as the bankai state prolongs.

There are two special techniques Hitsugaya used in bankai state. The first is "ryuusenka" or “dragon hail flower” which freeze opponents that Hitsugaya stabs, imprisoning them in a cocoon of ice. The second technique is "sennen hyoro" or “thousand year ice prison” which envelops the enemy with pillars of ice and freezing them.

In this post, we feature the elegant Hitsugaya sword replica Hyourinmaru, manufactured by Musashi. It is a full-tang functional sword replica with overall length of 42”, blade length 29.5” and handle length 12.5”. The blade is made of high-carbon steel with razor-sharp edge so take caution. The tsuka (handle) is hardwood wrapped in ray skin. The wooden scabbard is attached to a black back-strap which should have been green as shown in the anime (that should be easily taken care of). The Hitsugaya sword replica comes delivered in a sword bag placed inside a stunning long gift box decorated in red Chinese silk. A display stand is also included and with the sword helps enhance the interior of your living room or study. If you are looking for a functional sword, the Musashi Handmade Hitsugaya Sword replica Hyourinmaru is a good buy for its low price and quality.

If you're looking for Bleach costume, check out the site at AllAnimeDVD.com. They have several selections of Shinigami, Espada, Quincy and other Bleach costumes. Perfect for Halloween, birthdays, cosplay events and themed parties. Just take your pick.

About Zanpakuto Bleach Sword Blog

This blog features various collections of Zanpakuto Bleach Sword Replicas. The Zanpakuto replicas are created to resemble those featured in Bleach anime, for fans to collect as display decorative items or part of cosplay gear.